SMU Law School
General Info
The Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, is a law school located in Dallas, Texas. Founded in February 1925, the school was renamed Dedman School of Law in February 2001 in honor of its benefactors, the late Robert H. Dedman Sr., his wife Nancy McMillan Dedman, and their family.
Contact information
- (Website) https://www.law.smu.edu/smu-dedman-school-of-law
- (Admissions Dean) lawadmit@smu.edu
- (Location) Dallas, TX
SMU Law School Admissions
SMU Law School is considered a Competitive law school, which accepts only 42% of its applicants. Comparatively, Smu is Significantly Higher than the average cost for law school.
| Applications | Offers | Matriculated | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class of 2028 | 1706 | 706 (41.38%) | 212 (12.4%) |
| 25% | Median | 75% | |
| GPA | 3.27 | 3.63 | 3.75 |
| LSAT | 156 | 161 | 163 |
Tuition And Financial Aid
| In-State Resident | Non-Resident | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | $49,962 | $49,962 |
| Part Time | $37,472 | $37,472 |
Living Expenses
- Living on-campus: $29,370
- Living off-campus: $25,280
- Living at home: $9,570
Important Dates
- Early Decision 1: 11/15
- Early Decision 2: N/A
- Regular Decision: 02/15
- Application Fee: $75
SMU Law School Admissions Predictor Tool
SMU Law School COMPARISON TOOL
SMU Law School
SMU Law School Community
SMU Law School is considered to have a Somewhat Favorable student to faculty ratio. The average class size for 1L sections is approximately Above Average compared to other law schools. Student diversity at Smu is Below Average.
Student body
Faculty Statistics
- Full Time: 36
- Part Time: 63
Faculty
- # Female Faculty: 38
- # Minority Faculty: 13
Ratio
20.6 Students
1 Faculty
Housing Options
- On Campus Housing: No
- Graduate Housing: No
- Law Specific Housing: No
SMU Law School Curriculum
The size of 1L sections affects the quality and consistency of teaching in law schools. Generally with smaller 1L section sizes, students receive more individualized attention. SMU Law School 1L section size is 1% larger than law schools in Texas and 2% larger than all PRIVATE law schools.
1L Section Size Comparison
Positions Available in Advanced Courses
- Simulation Courses: 851
- Faculty Supervised Clinics: 138
Students Involved in Advanced Activities
- Field Placements: 118
- Law Journals: 253
- Moot Court/Mock Trials: 0
Attrition Rates
- First Year: 0.0%
- Second Year: 3.9%
- Third Year: 1.7%
- Fourth Year: 0.0%
SMU Law School Employment
Deciding to attend law school requires a large financial investment with the goal of securing employment upon graduation. The SMU Law School class of 2023 had an employment rate of 93% with 0% pursuing an additional degree.
Employment Comparison
In 2023, 95.1%% of students reported their employment status 9-months after graduation.
Type of Employment
- Law Firms: 62.0%
- Business: 25.0%
- Government: 6.0%
- Public Interest: 1.0%
- Academia: 2.0%
- Texas: 92%
- New York: 2%
- Colorado: 1%
Bar Passage Rates
- Reporting: 95.1%
- First Time Takers: 244
- Average School: 84.1%
- Average State: 77.4%
- Pass Difference: 6.6%
Top Bar Jurisdiction
- Texas: 77.4%
- Passed: 195 of 232 (84.1%)
- State Average: 77.4%
- Difference: 6.6%